Best Associate Degree Programs in STEM

The acronym STEM is fairly well-known now but not far behind it is STEAM and STREAM. Similar to STEM, STEAM and STREAM are curriculum models that are designed for integrative learning. The 'A' in STEAM stands for Arts while the 'R' in STREAM stands for Reading and wRiting. Both models complement STEM subjects to expand students' soft skills and create well-rounded learners. While STEM is more formally recognized as a curriculum at the college level, liberal arts and general education courses usually incorporate STEAM and STREAM informally.

Associate Degrees in STEM

Associate degrees in STEM are focused on an interdisciplinary approach between the four STEM subjects. So, if a student is pursuing an associate's degree in engineering, they would still take general science and mathematics courses to build a well-rounded education. STEM subjects are primarily focused on building hard skills, such as HTML coding or laboratory observation, that contribute to the advancement of society through the development of new technology, medicine, research, and products.

Associate Degrees in STEAM

STEAM isn't typically a formally recognized curriculum at the college level, but its core concepts are present in college curriculums. STEAM education focuses on the arts, such as visual arts, design, liberal arts, and humanities. This can include courses such as psychology, sociology, history, drama, music, theatre, and more. The purpose of STEAM is to build soft skills that benefit individuals in their work and daily lives. Soft skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, motivation, and teamwork.

Associate Degrees in STREAM

Similar to STEAM, STREAM isn't normally recognized in college-level academics the way STEM is; you generally won't find a list of STREAM degrees the way you would STEM. But also similar to STEAM, STREAM's core concepts are included in college curriculum. STREAM adds reading and writing as integral parts to a well-rounded education. It similarly focuses on building soft skills such as communication and collaboration and encourages students to examine things from a human perspective, not just a scientific or technical one.

There is a lot of variety when it comes to STEM degrees. Depending on your chosen discipline, you may have several career choices and opportunities for advancement. An associate's degree in a STEM discipline can be the first step towards pursuing higher education, or it can be what gets you ready to jump into a career. The value of a STEM degree is ultimately decided by you and what your education and career goals are. However, some statistics may prove helpful in deciding to pursue one. First, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that from 2019-2029, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by 8 percent. Second, the median annual wage for employees in STEM occupations is $89,780 as of 2020. For comparison, the median annual wage for employees in non-STEM occupations is $40,020 as of 2020.

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to choose a STEM program that's right for you. The first thing you'll want to consider is your interests. Do you like working with numbers? Maybe a mathematics discipline such as statistics could work. Are you fascinated by how roads and structures are built? Consider an engineering discipline. Or maybe you would like to work with computers; a technology discipline, such as cybersecurity, could be right. Once you narrow down your interests, picking a specific degree may be easier.

Several other factors can also determine the program you choose, such as location, affordability, and availability. Finding a specific school or program can be done using the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. This tool allows you to see several facts about a school, such as tuition, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, distance learning options, and more.

For more information about a school or program, such as courses you can take, activities you can join, and opportunities you can pursue, you can usually find this information on a school's website. Student testimonials may also be available so you can see what a program is like. Any specific questions you may have can be answered by an academic or enrollment advisor, whose job is to make finding and applying for programs easier. Their contact information can be found on the school's website.

Application and Admission Requirements for Associate STEM Programs

Many STEM associate degrees are available at community colleges, which traditionally have more open application and admission requirements than four-year universities. Typically, first-time students who have never attended college will need to submit a high school diploma or equivalent as well as transcripts. Students who are transferring or who have earned some college credit must additionally include all transcripts for any colleges they attended. They may also need to meet a GPA requirement, such as 2.0. Financial aid may also be applied for during this process.

While admissions are open, some students may need to take a placement test to see where they fit in academically. This will usually be done after admission but before enrollment. An ACT or SAT score may also be submitted instead of a placement test, but it depends on the school. Students may also attend an orientation for new students.

An enrollment advisor or a counselor typically works with students to register for classes and get the materials they need. An advisor or counselor can help you determine which classes you'll need to take and help you register for the right ones, as well as classes that interest you.

The cost of a STEM degree varies by school. Each college sets its tuition rates and each student's living situation can have an impact on costs. For example, a student who lives at home may pay less than a student who lives on campus because they don't have to pay for room and board. However, associate degrees that are offered at community colleges typically have lower costs than traditional public and private four-year universities. Instead of charging a flat rate of tuition for every student, they charge per credit hour, meaning students only pay based on how many classes they take (however, some schools may require a low flat rate). Rates may change based on a person's location. For example, if a student is not a citizen of the county or state that the school is in, they may pay an out-of-state rate.

While the tuition for each school varies, the NCES does have some tuition statistics to determine the average cost of an associate degree. For the 2018-2019 academic year, in-state tuition at public 2-year colleges was $3,313; that's for one year of school. The same data say that for the 2018-2019 academic year, out-of-state tuition at public 2-year colleges was $7,917. Using these figures as an example, the total cost of tuition for completion of an associate's degree in 2018-2019 would be $6,626 for in-state students and $15,824 for out-of-state students.

There's a vast array of degree options for STEM students to choose from, with each degree belonging to a certain discipline. Students may choose a program that's suitable for transfer to a university or they may choose an applied program that teaches skills that can prepare them for an entry-level job in their field upon graduation. Many Associate of Science programs fall in the STEM category and are clearly defined; for example, an Associate of Science in Biology would be categorized as the Science portion of STEM. But other degree options, such as an Associate of Science in Engineering Technology, may at first seem like it belongs in both the Engineering and Technology categories. But since it's an engineering program first, it would just be categorized as Engineering. An example of a technology program would be an Associate of Science in Computer Programming.

Science Associate Programs

Science associate programs cover topics such as biology, physics, geology, chemistry, biochemistry, and more, including fire science. Examples of degree titles would be an Associate of Science in Chemistry or an Associate of Science in Physics. These degrees are suitable foundations for careers in medicine, biotechnology, and research, among others. Most of the science programs cover general topics related to that field so that students have the necessary courses to transfer to a bachelor's degree, but some programs will work for entry into a career. Some job titles that someone with a science-related associate degree might pursue include dental hygienist, radiologic technologist or geological and petroleum technician.

Technology Associate Programs

Technology associate programs cover topics such as cybersecurity, computer science, computer programming, and more, including information technology and network administration. Examples of titles would be an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Network Administration. Many technology associate degrees cover topics relating to computers, so related careers such as network technicians, cybersecurity experts, web developers and computer support specialists are common pathways.

Engineering Associate Programs

Engineering associate programs cover topics related to different types of engineering. A few can include mechanical engineering, industrial management engineering, and engineering technology. There are different types of engineering technology, such as mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electrical, among others. Examples of degree titles would be an Associate of Science in Engineering or an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology. Engineering typically covers manufacturing all types of goods, from commercial products to airplanes, as well as hardware/computer engineering. Jobs for graduates of associate degree programs in engineering-related fields include mechanical engineering technologists, civil engineering technicians and electromechanical technicians.

Mathematics Associate Programs

Mathematics associate programs cover topics such as statistics, algebra, calculus, geometry, and more. While math is usually a part of any STEM degree field, mathematics degrees focus on particular subjects within the field to prepare students for mathematics bachelor's degrees. Unlike other STEM disciplines, there's typically no specific type of math students exclusively focus on, at least not at the associate level. For example, a technology degree could be cybersecurity or information technology, but a math degree is usually just a math degree; there aren't many options for specialization. However, this general curriculum makes it suitable for students to transfer to a variety of bachelor's degrees, including statistics, computational mathematical science, and more. Math associate degrees might be titled 'Associate of Arts in Mathematics.'

There are many options to choose from within the STEM field, so the curriculum for each degree will vary. However, most associate degrees will have a mix of general education courses, electives, and courses specific to a student's chosen major. Students from the same department may take some of the same core courses, but course variety and availability differ with each school and program. Many STEM programs integrate multiple topics into the curriculum that can be found in other disciplines. For example, a physics program might have math courses or an engineering program may have chemistry courses. Each program will have general education requirements that include courses in composition, English, and arts and humanities.

Science Associate Degree Coursework

There are several programs within science STEM associate degrees, but a couple of common ones are physics and chemistry. The curriculum for physics consists of courses in calculus, geometry, and several physics courses that are spread out throughout the program. One semester, students may take a Physics I course and then take a Physics II course the next, with each course going into more depth. More advanced physics courses explore mechanics, electricity, and magnetism in detail. The curriculum for chemistry also includes math courses such as calculus and geometry, as well as two types of chemistry courses; general chemistry and organic chemistry. A laboratory component is often included.

Technology Associate Degree Coursework

Just like with science, there are multiple technology programs with different course requirements. A couple includes information technology and computer network administration. The curriculum for information technology programs can include courses such as information technology concepts, software development, web application development, and networking concepts. The curriculum for computer network administration programs can include courses such as:

• Intro to information technology and systems
• Operating systems
• Networking/network essentials
• Programming

Some technology programs may require internships or cooperative education and will include these in the curriculum.

Engineering Associate Degree Coursework

Engineering associate programs also come in a variety of subjects. A couple includes general engineering and mechanical engineering technology. General engineering allows students to easily transfer to various types of bachelor's engineering programs. The curriculum can include courses such as:

• Math
• Chemistry
• Engineering statics
• Engineering dynamics
• Linear algebra
• Physics

The curriculum for mechanical engineering technology can include courses such as:

• Statics
• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Intro to manufacturing
• Mathematics
• Physics

Mathematics Associate Degree Coursework

The curriculum in mathematics associate degrees covers various math-related topics to prepare students for transfer to several bachelor's degrees. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are:

• Calculus
• Geometry
• Computer science
• Linear algebra
• Statistical methods
• Differential equations

It is common among many programs to break up these courses into multiple parts. For example, calculus would be divided into 2 courses that would be titled Calculus I and Calculus II. This allows students to study more in-depth.

Accreditation is important when it comes to choosing any school or program, but especially when it comes to STEM programs. The process of accreditation is when a recognized agency grants formal approval of a school or academic program. Some careers even require students to graduate from an accredited program, such as nursing, law, and psychology. There are two types of accreditation: institutional, when a school as a whole is accredited, and programmatic, when an individual program within a school is accredited. STEM programs will have either accreditation depending on what the subject is.

Science and math associate degrees are typically more academic-based, so they will be accredited by institutional agencies such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Higher Learning Commission.

However, applied and natural science programs can receive specialized accreditation from the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission.

Engineering technology associate programs can receive accreditation from the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission. Both of these commissions are under the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Once students have completed an associate degree, they can transfer to a bachelor's degree and seek even higher education from there. The options for STEM programs typically get more specific and advanced the higher the degree level. Some schools also offer certificate programs that can be completed alongside a degree so students can specialize their education even further.

Bachelor's Degrees in STEM

Bachelor's degrees in STEM cover a wide variety of topics, including medicine, veterinary science, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, biochemistry, data science, and economics, among many others. If transferring from an associate degree, students will only need to complete around 60 credits, which takes 2 years when studying full time. These programs are typically Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, or a Bachelor of Arts.

Master's Degrees in STEM

Master's degrees in STEM allow students to further specialize their education and qualify for more advanced positions in their chosen fields. Many of the same degree subjects are available, including construction management and technology, computer science, cyber security, biology, and biomedical engineering. Master's degrees typically only take 1-2 years to complete, with the curriculum focused on the chosen major and not as much on general education. These degrees are usually Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Master of Arts.

Doctoral Degrees in STEM

Just like with undergraduate and master's degrees, there are several options for doctoral degrees in STEM. A few can include computer science, nursing, and nutrition. A doctorate is the highest level of education one can earn in their field and typically prepares students for careers in research, academia, or top-level positions. A few common types of doctoral degrees would be a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition.

Many doctoral degrees require a project at the end of the program; for PhDs, it's usually a dissertation and, for more clinical-based programs, such as nursing or nutrition, it's usually a project or capstone experience. The length of doctoral programs varies but most of them take at least a couple of years to complete.

Certificate Programs in STEM

Certificate programs in STEM are usually short, specialized programs that students take alongside their degree, sort of like a set of elective courses, only it's for one subject. Their purpose is typically to build hard skills over a short period of time and complement one's chosen degree program. So for example, a student studying computer science may also wish to get a certificate in software development. However, certificate programs can be taken alone; it depends on the school. A few common STEM certificate programs include Computer-Aided Design (CAD), cyber security, and networking.

After completing an associate degree, many students may wish to transfer to a bachelor's program to study further and qualify for more jobs. Luckily, many schools have transfer programs that allow students to take the necessary classes during their time in an associate program. For example, an engineering associate student would take general engineering courses throughout the program to meet requirements for transfer to a more specific engineering bachelor's program, such as chemical engineering or mechanical engineering.

An associate degree requires around 60 credits while a bachelor's degree requires around 120; students who transfer from associate programs have already completed general education courses and some core major courses, so after transferring, they can finish the remaining credits with courses specific to their degree. Some universities partner with community colleges to form a transfer credit program, where the credits earned can transfer to the university a bit easier than if the student were to try transferring to another school. Many schools with these programs offer automatic admission to students who graduate from partner community colleges.

There are a variety of STEM careers, each with its own salary ranges. Additionally, associate degrees typically only qualify graduates for entry-level positions in their chosen fields, so the salaries will usually not be as high as positions that require a bachelor's degree. For example, natural science managers and directors of engineering typically have higher salaries but require at least a bachelor's degree because they are mid- to upper-level positions. Even starting a career in computer engineering requires a bachelor's degree. However, there are STEM careers you can start out in with an associate's degree including several careers involving math. We'll cover a few below.

How to Become a Chemical Technician

A chemical technician assists chemists and chemical engineers with various tasks, including research, development, production, and testing of chemical products. Most of their work is performed in a laboratory and they work as part of a team of technicians that are led by chemists. Chemical technicians need an associate's degree as well as on-the-job training. An associate's degree in chemical technology or applied science would suffice. According to the BLS, chemical technicians have a median annual wage of $49,820 as of 2020.

How to Become a Web Developer

A web developer creates and maintains websites. They are also in charge of the technical aspects of a website, such as site traffic and how well the site is operating. In some cases, a web developer may also create content for the site. It depends on what the web developer specializes in; back-end web developers are in charge of the technical construction of a site while front-end web developers are in charge of technical features. As an example, a back-end developer might build the site from scratch and ensure it functions, while a front-end developer chooses the site's layout, functions, and graphics, such as adding a checkout button for retail sales.

Web developers have varying educational backgrounds, from high school diplomas to bachelor's degrees. Since hard computer and software skills are needed, some sort of training is beneficial, whether formal or self taught; an associate degree would be a sufficient starting point. PayScale.com states that those with an associate degree in web design and development have an average salary of $61,762 as of 2021.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician

An aerospace engineering and operations technician maintains and operates the equipment that is used for various air and spacecraft. This includes being a part of the developing, testing, producing, and sustaining processes. The bulk of their work is done in order to ensure that the equipment for aircraft and spacecraft systems operates smoothly and is up to standard. This involves using a variety of computer simulations and testing equipment. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians need an associate's degree in engineering technology or vocational education in robotics, computer programming, or machining. The BLS states that as of 2020, the median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technicians is $68,570.

How to Become a Financial Clerk

A financial clerk keeps financial records for companies, helps customers with financial concerns, and handles any transactions that might occur. There are many types of financial clerks, such as brokerage clerks, loan interviewers, payroll clerks, and procurement clerks, among others.

The type of financial clerk determines much of the work is required. For example, loan interviewers help clients get approved for loans while payroll clerks are in charge of employee payroll time and data. Financial clerks need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training; however, an associate's degree in math can teach skills that are valuable for this job, such as handling financial information and working with numbers. As of 2020, the BLS states that financial clerks have a median annual wage of $41,520.

Paying for college can be daunting, but there are several types of financial aid students can receive. The most common and widely accessible is federal aid, which is obtained by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows students to see what types of loans and grants they qualify for, as well as apply to work-study programs at their chosen colleges. Besides federal aid, there are scholarships available to students with criteria such as location, race or ethnic background, income level, and degree field. STEM students in particular have many scholarships available to them.

The Creative Biolabs Scholarship

The Creative Biolabs Scholarship is open globally to freshmen, undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students at accredited colleges and universities who are pursuing science-related fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate academic ability, leadership skills, and participation in public service. They must also submit an essay, among other things. The award is for $1,000 and the scholarship deadline is September 30th, 2021.

The Rural Technology Fund Cyber Security Scholarship

The Rural Technology Fund Cyber Security Scholarship is open to students anywhere in the United States who reside in a rural community. Applicants must be planning to attend college in pursuit of a degree in a computer technology field with a focus in cybersecurity. Applicants must answer a series of essay questions about their interests and knowledge in the cybersecurity field. The award is for $1,000.

ASHRAE Engineering Technology Scholarships

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has 5 engineering technology scholarships that range from $5,000-$10,000 each. The scholarships are open to full-time engineering technology students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree whose course of study has traditionally been a preparatory program for the HVAC&R profession. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, among other criteria. The annual deadline is December 1st.

Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize

The Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize is awarded by the Association for Women in Mathematics. Applicants can be nominated or they can nominate themselves as long as they provide at least one letter of recommendation. Applicants must submit a nomination packet that includes 1-3 letters of nomination, transcripts that indicate the student is at the undergraduate level, and supporting materials such as proof of work or public service related to math, letters from professors and colleagues, etc. The nomination period is from August 15th to October 1st.